CVE-2025-31182
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows malicious applications to delete files they shouldn't have permission to access by exploiting improper symlink handling. It affects Apple devices running vulnerable versions of visionOS, macOS, tvOS, iOS, and iPadOS. The issue stems from missing authorization checks when following symbolic links.
💻 Affected Systems
- visionOS
- macOS
- tvOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Tvos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise through deletion of critical system files, leading to data loss, system instability, or privilege escalation.
Likely Case
Malicious apps deleting user data, configuration files, or application data, causing data loss and potential denial of service.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper app sandboxing and file permission controls are enforced, restricting damage to isolated app environments.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed on the target device. No public proof-of-concept has been released as of the advisory date.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: visionOS 2.4, macOS Ventura 13.7.5, tvOS 18.4, iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122371
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings/System Preferences. 2. Navigate to Software Update. 3. Download and install the latest available update for your device. 4. Restart your device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly install apps from trusted sources like the official App Store to reduce risk of malicious apps.
Review App Permissions
allRegularly review and restrict file access permissions for installed applications.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict app installation policies allowing only verified applications
- Monitor for unusual file deletion patterns using endpoint detection tools
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check your device's operating system version against the patched versions listed in the advisory.Check Version:
On Apple devices: Settings > General > About > Software VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify that your device is running one of the patched versions: visionOS 2.4+, macOS Ventura 13.7.5+, tvOS 18.4+, iOS 18.4+, iPadOS 18.4+, macOS Sequoia 15.4+, or macOS Sonoma 14.7.5+.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected file deletion events in system logs
- App sandbox violation logs
- Failed authorization attempts for file operations
Network Indicators:
- No direct network indicators as this is a local privilege escalation vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Search for file deletion events from non-privileged applications or processes, particularly targeting system directories or user data outside app sandbox.🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122371
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122373
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122374
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122375
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122377
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122378
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Apr/10
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Apr/11
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Apr/12
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Apr/13
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Apr/4
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Apr/8
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Apr/9
